Why plans for 210 new homes near Hartlepool's Queens Meadow Business Park have been refused
Plans for hundreds of new homes in Hartlepool have been refused following objections from a nearby steel firm.
The plans, from Hellens Investments (Washington) LLP, aimed to provide a mix of 210 properties, covering houses and separate apartment blocks, at Queens Meadow Business Park.
But they have failed to receive permission from the Hartlepool Development Corporation, which itself faces being wound up, following a crunch vote.
The outline housing plan was recommended for refusal in a report from Hartlepool Development Corporation (HDC) planning advisors, which noted the housing development was “highly likely” to increase noise complaints against neighbouring business Tata Steel, with a risk of “unreasonable restrictions” being placed on the firm.
The firm added that housing on the land could lead to conflict with future residents and potentially impact its ability to operate and invest.
It was noted in the meeting that the developers had since “substantially increased” the section 106 financial contributions compared to their initial offer.
Hartlepool Borough Council deemed the revised financial contribution acceptable and said it would cover areas such as primary and secondary education, play facilities and ecology.
However, the plans were still recommended for refusal by HDC planning advisors over the proposed development being likely to cause an “increased likelihood of complaints and the potential for a statutory nuisance to be found” and associated impacts on Tata Steel.
Members of the planning board discussed the difficulties around supporting both the development of new homes and supporting local businesses.
Some members continued to raise concerns about the impacts on Tata Steel in terms of potential noise complaints from new homes situated “right on the doorstep” of existing industrial operations.
When the application was put to the vote, the corporation’s planning board was tied 2-2.
Due to the impasse, the application was refused as the planning board needs a majority vote to approve an application.
Owing to the scale of the proposed housing development, the outcome may yet be referred to the Government for a final decision.